CelticsBlog exit interview: Celtics heart Neemias Queta

How would you characterize Neemias Queta’s 2024–2025 Celtics season? Nicely, there are each optimistic and unfavourable elements to debate. The previous Utah State College massive man had a combined bag of a season and we’re right here to dive into it..

Total, I’d say Queta had a good displaying; he displayed indicators of development however left a good bit unanswered, which can have some followers questioning the long-term match.

Firstly, his shiny spots had been usually very shiny for Boston. Queta total will get a passing grade for his hustle performs and vitality on the ground. The 25-year-old Queta is growing this uncanny ability at chasing down blocks and offering thunderous dunks, which function among the most memorable performs of the yr.

In distinction to his 24-game efficiency from the earlier season, Queta has demonstrated to Celtics supporters his offensive rebounding prowess and skill to create second-chance alternatives for the crew, which has additionally translated into an unimaginable really feel for tip-ins and follow-up dunks.

Picture by Brian Babineau/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs

Queta presents an enormous, robust physique for Coach Mazzulla; he has additionally performed effectively in opposition to some robust Western Convention opponents for Boston. His finest sport of the season was in a 12-point, 9-rebound, 4-block, and 3-assist dwelling win over the LA Clippers. Queta additionally had a stellar displaying on November sixth in opposition to the Warriors, dropping 14 factors, blocking 2 pictures, and nabbing 8 rebounds.

For all the nice although, got here some extra turbulent showings in his 69 sport appearances. Queta discovered himself benched at occasions all through the season on account of his poor decision-making in video games, which frequently adopted two or three standout performances. The Queta expertise included dangerous defensive positioning, overhelping in some conditions, lacking rotations, making successive silly fouls, and the poorly timed turnovers.

Queta must work on passing out of the low block, restrict his shifting screens and study to not be so keen on opposing groups head fakes. Most followers suppose Queta defensive resolution making, over zealous propensity to rack up fast fouls.

Picture by Brian Fluharty/Getty Photographs

Joe Mazzulla can throw the bigger framed Queta at opposing stronger massive man, like an Embiid or Edey. Neemias has additionally proven good footwork to chase down gamers from behind if he will get caught flat-footed. He’s an inexpensive, serviceable insurance coverage piece for Boston who can begin the occasional sport when the crew is in damage bother.

Queta’s function on the crew may very effectively be broadened subsequent season, particularly if we see Luke Kornet depart in the summertime and Al Horford retire. Queta will doubtless stick in Boston subsequent season as a bench physique, more than likely alongside a rookie heart, as Boston’s frontcourt ought to look pretty completely different subsequent season. His submit sport is growing and he ought to prioritise engaged on each his footwork and refining that hook shot.

Queta is at all times a lob risk each time he’s on the courtroom particularly with the likes of Tatum, Brown and White on the courtroom. Assume, Rob Williams lite sans the passing potential. Boston will search for Queta to take one other leap ahead in his growth subsequent season, hopefully he is able to go and takes the time in Summer season to hone his sport.